Contact info for preparedness ideas?

A

Agent Iron

Joined
Feb 5, 2005
Messages
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Maybe it has been discussed here before, but I wonder if it is a good idea to have a contact list or plan should there be a major US disaster, economic or otherwise. We are discussing the SHTF stuff here, and obviously most of us consider ourselves survivors. Ultimately aside from yourself, the best resource we have would be like minded individuals to be a support structure. I can pile up supplies and other stuff, but in a long term event having good people to call upon might be invaluble.

My question is have the people here considered a master list of contact info, or plans where people could meet up should a major disastor occur. I can see problems with this, but am interested in discussion.
Thanks
AI
 
Hmm. not sure how the list would work. The idea of posting information of where I would be if SHTF is not appealing.
 
I'm just going to put on my leather pants, grab the last V8 Interceptor and a side by side shotgun and go for it.

See ya at Thunderdome!
 
When I first invisioned the RAT pack theory, part of it was to develop "cells" of folks in geographic regions with a "cell leader" assigned. Thus the "RAT pack map".

Mostly this was for disaster relief and in order to have some help if and when the SHTF.

Everyone would have a predetermined rally point and a list of all the other local members addresses and alternitive contact info.

Of course, life happened and we haven't really put much time into it.

It's not a dead idea, just a stalled one.
 
shotgunner11 said:
When I first invisioned the RAT pack theory, part of it was to develop "cells" of folks in geographic regions with a "cell leader" assigned. Thus the "RAT pack map".

Mostly this was for disaster relief and in order to have some help if and when the SHTF.

Everyone would have a predetermined rally point and a list of all the other local members addresses and alternitive contact info.

Of course, life happened and we haven't really put much time into it.

It's not a dead idea, just a stalled one.
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Exactly! When I contemnplate stuff like this, this always seems to be most practical application of the principle. I hope this idea of yours gets some legs.
AI
 
I highly recommend everyone getting on the map. I know it needs to be updated for the folks that can't figure it out. I ,however, am up to my eyeballs with other work that needs to be done.

Make sure you have your own supplies though. When it comes down to it your own family has to be #1.
 
Part of the problem would be communication. I wouldn't count on phones or the internet to be up. That leaves CB and HAM radio. I'm sure I haven't covered everything, any other thoughts?
 
For our family we've come up w/ a plan on somewhere to meet should we be forced to leave home. Whoever is home grabs what is needed and we go to our "spot" and wait for the other. I'm sure others could be worked into it by just telling them where we're meeting and making sure they bring their own supplies also. But that's only in the event that you're forced from your home. Having 3 small kids I'd MUCH rather be able to stay in my home and open it to others if need be.
 
One thing we did a couple of years ago was to make meeting points for set times and dates on and after an emergency. So on the day of the emergency you meet at a set location, the next day at a different location and set time, etc.. We also had a set time to do a radio contact. We set up a time to meet on a set frequency and pl tone (CTCSS), if the freq. was being used or we suspect we need COMSEC we would switch to one of eight pre set alternate freq's. We had our group set to do radio contact on set freq using a CTCSS and voice scrambling (DES at the time). Using handheld units we could get god local results, using mobils it was much better. We also had mobil repeters set up in some of our BOV that could be used to scout out and relay comm trafic if needed. It worked out awesome when we tested it out, we were geting over forty miles with no problem using UHF equipment.

In a SHTF situation I would avoid Ham frequencies (unless you have a license), most time that is when the rescue and disaster nets activate. Now if you had a list of possible open frequencies or repeters you might be able to use them. Most of the time the repeters with the best coverage are set up for the above nets and would no be usable.

GMRS is a good UHF system if you spend the money on REAL radios, not the two pack FRS/GMRS crap from ChinaMart. Real mobile radios (50 watts output) and portables that put out a full 5 watts will really work very good with this system.

MURS is not too bad for the money and range, they are VHF and will go a lot farther in open and woodland areas then the UHF equip.

FRS is IMHO line of sight on streoids, it will work for the most part but will fail on long distance. Don't get me wrong (i have three dz of them) you can use them but there are better units out there.


IMHO I think radio comm is the best way to connect after SHTF incident. Using code words for meeting places, times, etc..


YMMV
 
Anyone having an extra kit hidden somewhere in case going home isn't possible?

I thought at least a blanket and some spare clothes ... metal is tricky round here, so many people looking for roman stuff running around with metal detectors ... cause i thought about packing airtight and burying stuff.
 
hoopster said:
Part of the problem would be communication. I wouldn't count on phones or the internet to be up. That leaves CB and HAM radio. I'm sure I haven't covered everything, any other thoughts?
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Getting a HAM ticket is braindead simple these days. If you have your lic, then setting up a a calling tree is very easy. But in a widespread event, any backbone system for communication will have issues, HAM, CB, or whatever.

luckykitty said:
Anyone having an extra kit hidden somewhere in case going home isn't possible?

I thought at least a blanket and some spare clothes ... metal is tricky round here, so many people looking for roman stuff running around with metal detectors ... cause i thought about packing airtight and burying stuff.
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The idea of a cache of supplies is a good one. I have one set up with food/gear for my family for three days, in the event we have to leave home quickly or can't get home. These kits are in several locations around my area, and a couple way outside my area.

The basic issue with putting together a calling list, or some sort of contact info for a SHFT scenario and posting it is simply this: Most of the folks that are getting prepared for something like the scenarios mentioned do NOT want to broadcast it. As Jeff mentioned "The gray man will win", meaning if your prepping, as long as hords of unprepared zombies don't know it, you'll probably come out on top of any event. So if we want to put together a Rat Pack preparedness section, then it should not be public info.

Anyone interested might want to check out Frugal's site

Mrs.Shotgunner11 said:
I highly recommend everyone getting on the map. I know it needs to be updated for the folks that can't figure it out. I ,however, am up to my eyeballs with other work that needs to be done.

Make sure you have your own supplies though. When it comes down to it your own family has to be #1.
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FEMA has a great PDF on this (yeah I know, everyone hates FEMA these days), and I noticed recently that they upped their recommendations on how much you should have for family/personal suppies on hand at home. I started in 2000 with 3 days, went to 7 days after 9/11, and now they say 30 days. And check this link and this link too. (Keep in mind not all the ready.gov docs are up to date)

Keep in mind, preparedness is NOT something you do once, but a lifestyle. But if anyone wants more information, feel free to email or PM me, and I can get you more info.

Cheers!
 
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LK I keep some stuff under the seats in my truck. The things I might not think to grab on the way out the door. Since we have little ones we keep diapers and wipes and things for them. Our bags would cover the rest.
 
I keep some gear stashed at my dads my in laws and soon in my spot in the woods. Been thinking of stashing some stuff near work and few spots in between. Just food and stuff that's not in my edc bag. My truck is pretty well stocked with stuff and I know of multiple ways to get home if SHTF. I really need a few " safe houses " to help me and I could help them if needed. I live outside of NOVA if any one wants to get together a solid plan.
 
Cpl Punishment said:
Mattock you mean?

Make sure the seeds are heirloom seeds, or the seeds the fruit produce won't germinate.
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:D I was never told how to spell it, and when I don't know the correct spelling of something I just assume it's spelled how it's pronounced.

matic and mattock, wow I was out in left field with spelling there, :D but pronunciation wise I was in the infield.
 
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